Reed on Keystone Card Friday Night

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By Alec Kohut

Building a record is much easier than developing a fighter. These days, boxing is full of 16-0 “prospects,” so it’s refreshing to see a young fighter with a stellar amateur record actually being developed, not simply spoon-fed warm bodies until reaching double-digit victory and knockout totals.

Former National Golden Gloves champion Michael Reed of Waldorf, Maryland is an example of a fighter being developed, not merely marketed. Reed will make his sixth appearance as a pro Friday night against Randy Fuentes, 4-0-1, at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD on a show promoted by Keystone Boxing.

Keystone matchmaker Brian Dillon told Maxboxing that after two first round knockouts to start Reed’s career, Team Reed asked him to step up the quality of opposition and didn’t want any more one-round knockouts. Dillon obliged and Reed then went four solid rounds with debuting DeMarcus Rodgers before stepping up to face Roberto Lopez. Lopez had just fought six straight undefeated fighters, beating one and going the distance every time. Reed stopped him in three rounds.

Ramesis Gil would be next. Any boxing fan who can discuss the sport deeper than who Floyd Mayweather should fight next knows opponents cannot be judged by their records alone. As he came into the fight at 8-6-5 (5), only the uninformed would consider Gil an average fighter. Gil had recently knocked York, PA’s Carney Bowman from the ranks of the undefeated. He also exposed and beat highly-touted Freddie Roach pupil Jamie Kavanagh on the December 2011 Lamont Peterson vs. Amir Khan card despite Kavanagh receiving a gift draw.

So in just his sixth pro fight, Michael Reed was facing his first real test. Reed did prevail but not before suffering a flash knockdown and having to use his whole arsenal in the process. This Tuesday, Reed told us on the Maxboxing East Coast Boxing Report that Gil “definitely came to win.” The same can’t be said about all opponents. So Michael Reed isn’t just winning; he’s learning - and getting better.

Tonight, he’ll step in the ring with another undefeated fighter who is coming to win. Given Reed’s opponent, Fuentes has won all four of his victories by decision, it’s fair to believe he possesses pretty good boxing skill, providing another style for Reed to adjust to.

Reed also said in the interview that he has learned, unlike in the amateurs, he has to make his punches count and not look to win on volume alone. He also knows the added importance of bodywork, especially as he prepares to move to eight and 10-round bouts.

Reed plans to stay active. This will be his sixth fight since his pro debut in March but he also keeps himself busy outside the ring. At 20 years old, he’s also studying to be an accountant.

Keystone Boxing…

One of the major reasons Reed and other young D.C.- area pros can stay active is the presence of Keystone Boxing, run by Gene Molovinsky and his son, Ross. At a time when it’s becoming increasingly harder for local promoters to succeed, Keystone has stood out in the Beltway region, providing a solid mix of local brawls and young prospects cutting their teeth in the pro ranks.

Despite the lopsided bouts involving the “You call; we fall” cadre from Wilson, NC, matchmaker Dillon has shown the ability to put together some really good, entertaining fights involving guys who will never make HBO but give everything they’ve got in every bout.

I would also be remiss if I did not mention that beer prices at Rosecroft are quite reasonable as well, as is a general admission ticket of $40. Given the size of the venue, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Friday’s card is well worth the drive to Rosecroft Raceway, which provides plenty of free parking and is right off the Beltway.

The card will be headlined by local 8-0 junior middleweight Jarrett Hurd, who will face Frank Gedeon, 4-0-2 (3), in a six-rounder.

Redskins Team Name Controversy…

Local reports are now confirming that the Washington Redskins are in fact considering changing their team name. Due to the outrage, public outcry and pure disgust that that is being felt, the team is seriously considering dropping “Washington” from its name.